I have been visiting Puerto Vallarta for years now, and I can tell you one thing for sure.
Finding the right place to stay makes all the difference in your trip.
If you are like me, you want a place that feels like home but looks like paradise.
We have stayed in so many different spots, from tiny rooms to big condos.
But every time we come back, we learn something new about how to pick the perfect spot.
Puerto Vallarta is a place that just grabs your heart and doesn't let go!
Why We Always Choose the South Side
When you start looking for a place, you will see a lot of options.
But for us, there is really only one area that matters.
We always tell our friends to look at Old Town, which is the same place as the Zona Romantica.
It is the soul of the city with its cobblestone streets and amazing food.
But if you want the absolute best experience, you have to look at Amapas.
Amapas is tucked just above the hustle and bustle of Old Town.
It is my favorite place in the whole world!
We love it because you get the most AMAZING views of the ocean.
Plus, it is so much quieter than staying right on the main street.
If you want to find the best Puerto Vallarta condos for rent by owner, Amapas is where you should start your search.
The hills can be a bit of a walk, but the peace and quiet are sooo worth it!
Making the Most of Your Stay in Amapas
Staying in Amapas feels like you are in a secret garden.
We recently stayed in a place that had these huge glass doors.
We would open them up in the morning and just listen to the birds.
It was so relaxing and peaceful.
Everything you need is just a short walk or a quick cab ride away.
You can walk down the hill and be at the beach in five minutes.
But then you get to leave the crowds behind when you go back to your condo.
It really is the best of both worlds!
If you are a solo traveler, Amapas is great because it feels very safe and friendly.
We always meet the nicest people just walking around the neighborhood.
Everyone says hello, and the vibe is just so chill.
I highly recommend checking out some of the local condos there.
One of our favorite places to look at is the Sueño property.
It is such a beautiful spot and really captures that Vallarta magic.
You can find more info about it through these vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta options.
What to Look for in a Rental
When you are looking for a place, don't just look at the photos.
I always check for things like how close it is to the beach.
And I always make sure there is good Wi-Fi because I sometimes have to work a little.
But best of all, look for a place that has a balcony.
There is nothing like sitting outside with a cold drink while the sun goes down.
The sunsets here are truly spectacular and different every single night!
We also like to find places that are managed by people who actually care.
It makes a huge difference when the owner is involved.
They can give you the best tips on where to eat and which beaches to visit.
I found some really helpful info on this in a post about best PV condo rental tips.
It also pairs really well with these local secrets if you want a few extra ideas before your trip.
It helped us avoid some common mistakes when we were first starting out.
Exploring Old Town and the Beach
Even if you stay in Amapas, you will spend a lot of time in Old Town.
We LOVE walking through the streets and seeing all the colors.
The papel picado banners waving in the wind always make me smile!
The food in Zona Romantica is just incredible.
You can get amazing tacos on the street for almost nothing.
Or you can find a nice spot right on the sand at Los Muertos Beach.
The pier at Los Muertos is a must-see, especially when it lights up at night.
We usually spend our afternoons there just watching the waves.
It is the perfect place to relax and just be.
If you are looking for something a bit more unique, you should check out Casa Opportunity.
It is a great example of the kind of hidden gems you can find here.
We were so surprised at how much character some of these places have!
Our Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation
One thing we learned is to pack light.
You really don't need much more than a swimsuit and some flip-flops.
The weather is almost always beautiful and warm.
And don't worry about getting around.
The yellow cabs are everywhere and they are very easy to use.
Just make sure you ask the price before you get in!
We also suggest trying to learn a few words of Spanish.
The locals are so friendly and they really appreciate it when you try.
A simple "Gracias" goes a long way here!
I am so grateful for the wonderful people we have met on our trips.
They make Puerto Vallarta feel like a second home to us.
We always leave with a heavy heart, but we know we will be back soon!
Finding Your Own Piece of Paradise
It can feel overwhelming when you first start looking at all the listings.
But just take your time and think about what you really want.
Do you want to be right in the middle of the noise and fun?
Or do you want to be a little bit tucked away with a view?
For us, the answer is always Amapas.
It is just so beautiful and calm up there.
We have stayed in many different parts of the city, but we always find ourselves coming back to the south side.
The combination of Old Town charm and Amapas views is just unbeatable!
If you are planning your first trip, I say go for it!
You will not regret coming to this amazing city.
It is a place where you can truly let go and just enjoy life.
Whether you are here for a week or a month, you will find something to LOVE.
Final Thoughts on Your PV Rental
Finding a dream rental doesn't have to be hard.
Just focus on the areas that have the most character.
Old Town, Zona Romantica, and Amapas are the places to be.
And like I said, Amapas is the best place to rent if you want that extra bit of magic.
We have found some of our favorite memories in the small corners of these neighborhoods.
I hope you find a place that makes you as happy as our favorite spots make us!
It is all about the experience and the feelings you have while you are here.
Puerto Vallarta is more than just a destination; it is a feeling.
And that feeling starts with where you choose to stay.
So go ahead and start your search today!
You might just find your own little piece of paradise waiting for you.
We would love to hear about your favorite spots in PV, so come say hello on our Facebook page!
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